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'Perpetual Cribbers': Gambhir's Savage Reply To Critics Over 'Undue Advantage' Claims

Soumyajit Dutta

Gautam Gambhir [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]Gautam Gambhir [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X.com]

India’s dominant march to the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has ignited claims from rival teams and experts that the Rohit Sharma-led side holds an “unfair advantage” due to playing all their matches at a single venue, Dubai, under the tournament’s Hybrid Model. 

While Pakistan hosts the majority of games across three cities, India’s fixtures have been staged exclusively in Dubai, a decision that has drawn scrutiny from figures like Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain and Pat Cummins.

Many have argued that familiarity with Dubai’s conditions has bolstered India’s campaign, but head coach Gautam Gambhir launched a fiery rebuttal after the team’s semi-final win over Australia.

Gautam Gambhir Slams 'Dubai Advantage' Cribbers

Addressing the controversy during a post-match press conference, Gambhir dismissed the notion of India benefiting from Dubai’s conditions, labelling critics as “perpetual cribbers.”

“I know there’s a lot of debate about the undue advantage. But what is an undue advantage? First of all, this is as much of a neutral venue for us as it is for any other team. I don’t remember which tournament we played in this stadium last time.”

The former Indian opener doubled down, revealing that the team had not even trained at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium ahead of the tournament. 

“What undue advantage we have? We haven't practised here for one day. We're practicing at the ICC Academy where conditions are 180° different. Some people are just perpetual cribbers. They've got to grow up”

Spin Strategy Not Pre-Mediated

Questions have also swirled around India’s spin-heavy squad, featuring the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel. Gambhir clarified, however, that the selection was not a calculated move tailored to Dubai’s pitches. 

“The plan was that if you pick two spinners in a 15-member squad, then if we play in Pakistan or anywhere else, we’ll pick two spinners because this is a competition on a subcontinent. So, we didn’t plan to play any spinners. If you look at it, we’ve only played two or three spinners in the last two matches and the rest were all all-rounders.” 

India Eye Third Champions Trophy Title Win

India’s tense victory over Australia in the semi-final, a rematch of the 2023 ODI World Cup final was an absolute thrill for Indian cricket fans. The match saw India chase a competitive total, aided by disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, further amplifying the team’s aura of invincibility.

As India prepares for the final, the ‘Dubai advantage’ debate continues to simmer. Yet, with Gambhir’s squad blending tactical flexibility and unwavering focus, their quest for a third Champions Trophy title appears driven by more than just venue familiarity.